Natchez, Mississippi River

Sawmills were an increasing necessity for early nineteenth century settlers along the Mississippi River. Logs were transported from many rivers to the Mississippi down to many sawmills to sell the product of lumber.

In 1828 in the city of Natchez, Ansrew Brown established a sawmill. Many logs that were transported here floated from the Allegany NY River as well as others. This mill employed loggers Black and white. The Mississippi River saw an estimated 250 sawmills between 1850 and 1870 due to the abundant need for lumber and settlers to be employed. This logging and rafting changed the world and influenced the industry's dynamics being able to supply the railroads being built. It also affected the growth to cities and increased population. The Mississippi River then supplied to markets in Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and others. The need for logs was high due to obligations to meet the debt of money borrowed through timber bonds. Getting lumber from other locations by River was very important.